Devon K. Nelson

Fremont, Utah--DeVon K Nelson, age 84, passed away December 16, 2013 doing what he loved... tending to his cows. He was born September 16, 1929 in Fremont, Utah to Alfred Frank and Melda Taylor Nelson. He married Elaine Madsen, June 17, 1961 in the Manti LDS Temple. DeVon spent most of his life in Fremont. He attended grade school in Loa and Fremont, and graduated from Wayne High School. DeVon attended Utah State University, and then served an LDS mission in the Texas, Louisiana area. After his mission he attended BYU for a short time before returning home to Wayne County to run the family ranch. He met and married Elaine and together they had four children. DeVon was an active member of the LDS church and served in many capacities. He served in the Loa Utah Stake Presidency for 15 years, as a counselor and Stake President, but the calling he enjoyed most was as a sealer in the Manti Temple. DeVon was influential in getting the first culinary water system in Fremont. He served on the Fremont Irrigation Board, the Wayne County School Board, and was President of the Utah School Board Association. He was a permittee of the UM and 7 Mile grazers associations. The things DeVon loved most were his family, his cows, riding his grey mare and spoiling his grandchildren. He was the best dad and grandpa ever and will truly be missed. DeVon is survived by his Wife, Elaine, Fremont, UT; his children, Valerie (Mike) Alley, Hinckley, UT, Darren (Tawni) Nelson, Fremont, UT, Meriann (Kirt) Rippstein, Glenwood, UT, and Kristie (Richard) Snyder, Provo, UT; Ten Grandchildren and one Great Grandson. DeVon is also survived by one sister, Verla (Carnell) Hatch, Richfield, UT and mother-in-law, Ruth Madsen, Monroe, UT. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fremont Ward Chapel. Friends may call Wednesday, December 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Springer Turner Funeral Home, 260 N. 400 W. Richfield, UT and from 10:30-12:30 p.m. prior to services at the chapel. Interment will take place in the Fremont Cemetery. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435)673-2454. Friends are invited to sign DeVon’s guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.